UNIPENNATE MUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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An unipennate muscle refers to a type of muscle that is characterized by its unique structure and organization of muscle fibers. The term "unipennate" is derived from its Latin roots, with "uni" meaning "one" and "penna" meaning "feather."
In the case of an unipennate muscle, the muscle fibers are arranged in a slanted fashion on one side of a central tendon. This arrangement resembles the feathers on one side of a feather. The muscle fibers are elongated, running diagonally along the length of the tendon. This one-sided arrangement allows for a concentrated force to be exerted onto the tendon, resulting in powerful and precise muscle contractions.
Unipennate muscles are commonly found in various parts of the human body, including the lower leg and foot. They play a crucial role in generating and controlling movement. Due to their unique structure, unipennate muscles are particularly adept at generating force along a specific line of action. This specific line of action can be beneficial for certain movements that require strength and stability, such as walking, running, and jumping.
Overall, the distinctive arrangement of muscle fibers in unipennate muscles provides them with exceptional strength and efficiency. Their ability to generate concentrated force in a particular direction makes them essential for numerous movements and activities, making them an integral part of the musculoskeletal system.
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One with a lateral tendon to which the fibers are attached, like the half of a feather.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for UNIPENNATE MUSCLE
- u nipennate muscle
- un ipennate muscle
- unipe nnate muscle
- unipen nate muscle
- unipenn ate muscle
- unipenna te muscle
- unipennat e muscle
- unipennate m uscle
- unipennate mu scle
- unipennate mus cle
- unipennate musc le
- unipennate muscl e
Etymology of UNIPENNATE MUSCLE
The word "unipennate" is derived from two roots: "uni" which means "one" and "pennate" which comes from the Latin "penna" meaning "feather". This term is used to describe a specific type of muscle fiber arrangement where the muscle fibers run diagonally off one side of a central tendon, resembling the structure of a feather.
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